Now, suburbs to get countdown timers at traffic junctions

Oct 05, 2014, 09:15 IST
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Laxman Singh

The BMC plans to install 46,000 DCTs across eastern and western suburbs for R3.48 crore

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to install Digital Countdown Timers (DCT) on prominent traffic junctions in the suburbs. The civic body has finalised the contractor for the R3.48 crore-project, and if everything goes as per plan, the installation will start in next two months.

The BMC plans to install 46,000 DCTs at 120 junctions in western suburbs and 54 junctions in eastern suburbs. The installation is part of a larger plan to install 32,000 DCTs in western suburbs and 14,000 in eastern suburbs. Two years ago, the BMC installed 685 DCTs in the island city at 85 junctions. Some of these junctions also have Variable Message System (VMS), which includes screens installed near the signal to display awareness massages related to traffic rules and safety.

The installation of DCTs is expected to be completed within eight months and each DCT comes with a one-year DLP (Defect Liability Period) and the contractor is liable to repair it free of cost during that period. The BMC will spend R2.39 crore on the installation in the western suburbs and R1.09 crore in the eastern suburbs. In 2012, the civic body installed 685 DCTs across South Mumbai at the cost of R1.5 crore.

“This system will facilitate smooth movement for commuters and pedestrians. This move will also save vehicle owners time and fuel,” said an officer from the traffic department on condition of anonymity. The BMC has already implemented Area Traffic Control (ATC) system at 253 junctions in Mumbai to reduced traffic jams. The additional municipal commissioner was unavailable for comment.